Contributor

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is a straightforward concept: restore declining sex hormones using compounds identical to those produced naturally in youth. This simple premise marks a shift in how clinicians address age-related hormonal changes. Renew Health and Wellness, a patient-centered clinic specializing in whole-person care, places BHRT at the core of its practice. The clinic champions BHRT not as a generic solution, but as a personalized approach to improving energy, sleep, mood, and sexual health for both women and men.

The broader landscape of hormone care has evolved through strong evidence, major reversals, and ongoing debate. In the early 2000s, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trials revealed that combined conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (progestin) increased the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer, leading to early termination of the trial. These results triggered a sharp decline in conventional hormone therapy use and prompted ongoing reassessment of risks and benefits in clinical practice.

“Many clinicians turned to other means to manage mood and vasomotor symptoms,” Don Cameron, founder of Renew Health and Wellness, recalls. “While some patients benefited, others reported feeling emotionally dulled rather than restored.” This underpins today’s emphasis on precision rather than blanket hormone endorsements. Key questions now include: which hormones, at what dose, by which route, and for which patient? These considerations are central to the philosophy behind BHRT.

BHRT uses hormones that are chemically identical to human estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These compounds are typically synthesized from plant precursors, such as molecules derived from yams or soy, and formulated to mimic endogenous hormones. “Proponents argue this molecular match could help the body respond more naturally by avoiding receptor mismatch,” Cameron states.

The benefits of a thoughtfully delivered BHRT program are broad but should be understood in individualized terms. Major medical organizations, including The Menopause Society, agree that estrogen-based therapies remain the most effective treatment for hot flashes and genitourinary symptoms.

For men, restoring testosterone can improve lean mass and strength, sharpen focus, and enhance mood. For older adults of both sexes, maintaining hormonal balance can support bone density, which is integral for women as they age, and muscle function for both sexes. “Beyond symptom relief, I’ve heard people say they reclaimed emotional presence and a sense of engagement with life. These are more anecdotal than robustly measured in clinical trials, but they hint at immense potential,” Cameron says.

It’s important to emphasize that the evidence base is still evolving, and while many observational and clinical studies suggest positive outcomes with BHRT, long-term safety and benefits depend on careful patient selection, dosing, and monitoring.

Renew Health and Wellness operates at the intersection of these scientific and cultural shifts, and its role in the landscape is both practical and educational. Clinically, its approach begins with comprehensive lab testing and detailed symptom reviews to guide individualized prescriptions.

“We do this so that patients not only feel better internally but also see external, functional benefits. This integration is deliberate: hormonal balance improves energy, mood, and motivation, which in turn enhances adherence to nutrition, exercise, and body-composition goals,” Cameron remarks.

Renew Health and Wellness emphasizes gradual progress over quick fixes. New regimens are monitored clinically and through lab tests during the first year, with dose adjustments common in early stages. Routine reassessment every three months during titration helps ensure safety and hormonal balance. Progesterone is often administered at bedtime to support sleep and may be given orally or sublingually, depending on absorption needs. Testosterone and estradiol are dosed to meet physiologic targets rather than cosmetic goals.

The future of BHRT depends on merging personalization with rigorous safety standards. Clinics must adopt evidence-based protocols, contribute to high-quality studies on pellets derived from FDA-approved sources, and custom regimens. If these conditions are met, BHRT could evolve from an alternative therapy into a mainstream, precision-based solution for age-related hormone decline.

Renew Health and Wellness exemplifies this trajectory. Its model integrates lab-guided care with broader strategies that include nutrition, movement, and targeted metabolic or aesthetic programs when indicated.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.